Azithromycin

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that belongs to the group called macrolides that is used to treat bacterial infections including the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia.

Aside from sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, Azithromycin may also be used to treat other types of bacterial infections such as chest infections like bronchitis and pneumonia; ear, nose, and throat infections such as sinusitis and tonsillitis.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis. It does not usually manifest in symptoms that is why getting a chlamydia test is important before taking a chlamydia medication. Azithromycin should not be used unless you are diagnosed as having chlamydia.

This antibiotic for chlamydia works effectively by killing the bacteria. It stops the protein production which is needed by the bacteria to grow and multiply. By killing the bacteria, the infection is removed together with it.

Symptoms of sexually transmitted infection chlamydia may not always manifest itself in the patient but should be checked and addressed properly as soon as possible. When not treated, it may spread or even cause inflammation. In the worst cases, chlamydia may even lead to infertility.

Azithromycin cannot be taken if you are allergic to azithromycin dihydrate, erythromycin, any macrolide or ketolide antibiotic, or to any of the other ingredients of this medicine (check product leaflet).

Consult your doctor first before using this product if you have the following conditions:

• severe liver or kidney problems
• severe heart problems or problems with your heartbeat such as long QT syndrome
• low blood levels of potassium or magnesium
• if you develop signs of another infection
• Taking any ergot derivatives such as ergotamine (to treat migraine) as these medicines should not be taken together with Azithromycin
• Certain type of muscle weakness called myasthenia gravis
• Nervous or mental problems

Inform also your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medications, particularly antacids, ergotamine, cholesterol-lowering medicines (statins), warfarin or similar medicines used to thin the blood, cisapride, terfenadine, zidovudine or nelfinavir, rifabutin, quinidine, and cyclosporin.

Azithromycin can increase the effects of other medicines like theophylline, digoxin, and pimozide. Consult your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines.

Pregnant women, including those who are planning, and breastfeeding mothers are not recommended to take Azithromycin unless advised by the doctor. Ask your doctor first before taking this medicine.

Do not drive or operate machinery when using this chlamydia medication as azithromycin may possibly cause dizziness and seizures.

Azithromycin contains lactose monohydrate. Consult your doctor before taking if you have an intolerance to some sugars.

You will need a valid prescription from a doctor for you to purchase this medicine. Make sure to read the enclosed patient information leaflet and follow the advice of your doctor.

Take the tablet orally and then drink with water. It can be taken with or without food intake. The dosage usually depends on your condition. Read the medicine leaflet or follow the doctor’s prescription. Azithromycin is not recommended to those under 45kg.

If you have taken more Azithromycin than what is prescribed to you, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital. Symptoms of overdose include a loss of hearing, feeling sick (nausea) or being sick, and diarrhoea. Hospital admission may be necessary in case of an overdose.

If you forget to take Azithromycin, you may take it as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if the next tablet is almost due.  If you skip a dose, you should still finish all the tablets. Do not take a double dose for the missed tablet.

Do not stop taking the antibiotic earlier than what is prescribed by the doctor. Discuss with your doctor if you want to stop. If you stop too soon, there is a possibility that the infection may return.